MINISTER DIDIZA MEETS US AMBASSADOR ON AGRICULTURAL MATTERS

08 September 2020

The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Ms Thoko Didiza, MP has had a fruitful virtual meeting with US Ambassador to South Africa H.E. Lana Marks to discuss agricultural trade relations of mutual interest to both countries.

The Minister notes and appreciates the increase in the exports of citrus from South Africa to the US market.

“Such increase is encouraging and I hope it will translate on other agricultural products getting to the US markets,” said Minister Didiza.

Minister Didiza and ambassador Marks agreed on establishing a technical task team that will work on facilitating market access on agricultural products.

“Increasing agricultural production is important for food security as well as contributing to the economy through trade,” remarked Minister Didiza.

The Minister believes that the transformation of the sector as envisaged through the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan will ensure that as a country we can increase our volumes for trade, which will bring great benefits for the country’s economy.

The Minister also noted that the 15% contribution to the GDP by the agricultural sector to the economy and attributes part of the growth to continued growth in the exports from South Africa.

Issued by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development